How to switch internet service
This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to switch your home internet service painlessly. It covers how to research providers, what fees and discounts to look out for, and when to schedule your cancellation and installation. By following our guide, you can feel empowered to make the switch with confidence.
How to switch internet service
- Research other ISPs
- Check for cancellation fees with your current ISP
- Ask for a discount from your current ISP
- Sign up with a new internet provider
- Schedule the installation
- Cancel your current internet service
- Return rented equipment to your former ISP
There are many reasons why you might want to switch to a new internet service provider (ISP). If you’re not satisfied with your current provider’s customer service, speed, or pricing, it’s a great idea to look into what other providers offer. If you’re moving to a new area, you may find faster plans or a better deal with the ISPs available there. Even if you're not moving, you may find a better promotional deal or plan elsewhere.
Whatever your reason for deciding to switch, it’s best to kick off the process of switching at least a few weeks before you aim to start service with a new internet provider because it takes some planning and patience.
1. Research other internet service providers
Before switching internet providers, take some time to look around at your options. Even if a great promotion from one company is what's convinced you to switch, it never hurts to see what else is out there. You might find something even better.
Even if you’re not sure you want to switch, it’s always good to know your options. Promotional deals change all the time, and new providers may have started offering service in your area since you signed up for your current plan.
Once you know which providers you have to choose from, you’ll need to find out which ones offer the right connection type, speed, and price for your needs. We have guides that explain everything you should consider when choosing an ISP and how to determine the speed your household needs.
Generally speaking, fiber and cable internet offer great speeds, while DSL and satellite internet have better availability but lag behind in terms of performance. To save money and get the best value, keep an eye out for promotional discounts, bundle deals, and buyout offers, but try to avoid contracts, data caps, high equipment costs, and installation fees where possible.
Helpful resources for researching ISPs
You can search our site to find our full reviews of individual internet service providers, which we rate based on factors like value, performance, ease of installation, and customer experience. Our reviews provide information on what you need to know when switching to and from each provider, including details on contracts and fees.
We also rank the best overall internet service providers, as well as the best providers for specific needs:
- Best cheap internet providers
- Best internet providers for rural areas
- Best internet providers for gamers
- Fastest internet service providers
- Best cable internet service providers
- Best DSL internet service providers
- Best fiber internet service providers
- Best satellite internet service providers
2. Check for cancelation fees with your current ISP
Before you cancel your current internet service, you’ll want to check your service terms or call your ISP directly to find out if you’ll need to pay any fees. You might want to stick with your provider until the end of your contract to avoid paying a cancellation fee. If you’re moving outside of your provider’s service area, you won’t have that option.
- If you don’t have a contract, you can cancel anytime without having to pay a cancellation fee. Simply cancel your service, and you’ll only have to pay up to the end of your current monthly billing cycle.
- If you have a contract, check the fine print to find out the length of the term and what fees you’re obligated to pay if you cancel before the end. Most contracts are for a year or more and come with early termination fees (ETFs). Typically, these cancellation fees are around $10–15 for each month you have left on your contract. It’s best to cancel near the end of your contract so you don’t have to pay as much. Bundled TV services usually have separate contracts that may have separate cancellation fees.
3. Ask for a discount from your current ISP
If your internet service costs too much but you’re otherwise happy with it, you can try to negotiate with your current internet company for a discount instead of switching.
Call your ISP’s customer service phone number to let them know you’re thinking about switching because you found a better deal elsewhere, and ask if there’s anything they can do to lower your price. They may be able to offer you a discount to match a competitor’s price or give you the promotional rate they’re currently offering to new customers. If they give you a discount you’re happy with, congratulations on not having to switch! If not, don’t cancel your service yet, but let them know you’re still considering your options and may call back later to cancel.
4. Sign up with a new internet provider
After you’ve chosen a provider with a plan that works for you, you can sign up for your new internet service online or by phone. The ideal time to do this is a few weeks or more before you want the new service to start. It’s important to be completely sure you want to switch at this point, because if you change your mind and cancel after you sign up, you may get stuck paying for an installation fee, cancellation fee, or other switching costs.
Providers sometimes offer different deals online and over the phone. It’s common for companies to give free installation to those who order online. Sometimes providers have deals that are hidden from their website and are exclusively available to those who call and speak to a representative.
To make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, have a look at what the provider offers online, then call and ask if there’s anything else they can do to help you save money on your internet bill if you agree to switch. Many providers will waive installation costs and buy you out of your old contract. They may also offer to give you a monthly discount, a bundle deal on TV or phone service, a bonus gift card, or free access to a streaming service.
As always, read the terms carefully before signing the dotted line. Find out whether a contract is required, whether your price could go up after the first year, and what equipment and installation costs to expect.
It’s best to sign up for service with a new provider before canceling your current service so that you can coordinate the installation date with the cancellation date. We cover how to do this in the next couple of steps.
5. Schedule the installation
After you sign up with a new internet provider, you can arrange to have your internet service installed and activated. Your new provider may offer professional installation, self-installation, or both.
Here’s what to expect with both types of installation:
- Professional installation: With most internet providers, a professional technician can install your internet within a few days of signing up. You’ll be able to schedule a date or specific window of time for a technician to set up your equipment, activate your service, and help you connect your devices.
- Self-installation: Your internet provider will send you a package in the mail with the necessary equipment and instructions for setting up your internet service at your convenience. You can expect the self-installation kit to arrive within a few days to a week. This is a convenient option for those who prefer setting things up themselves and who don’t mind a bit of troubleshooting. The process usually takes less than 30 minutes.
It’s best to schedule your installation and service activation before your old internet service is deactivated. Planning ahead and doing things in this order will help you avoid having any days without internet service.
6. Cancel your current internet service
Once you know when your new internet service will be active and what day it will be installed, you can plan the cancellation date of your old internet service to happen just afterward. A few days of overlap will give you plenty of wiggle room to work out any kinks with your new internet service without having to worry about going without internet. If you’re moving to a new address, you can just set your move-out date as the cancellation date.
Rather than letting you cancel through their website or mobile app, most providers require you to call or show up in-person to cancel service. Even if you ask to have your service deactivated in the middle of a month, you may still be charged through the end of your monthly billing cycle. When you speak with someone to arrange the cancellation, it’s a good idea to ask how long you have to return any rented equipment.
7. Return rented equipment to your former provider
Once your old internet service is canceled, the only thing you’ll have left to do is return any equipment that belongs to your old provider. Equipment can include gateways, routers, or modems that have been rented to you or provided free of charge for the duration of your service. If you also cancel bundled cable or satellite TV service, you’ll have to return any DVRs or set-top boxes you have.
You usually have about 30 days after your cancellation date to return equipment. You can check your contract or call to confirm when it needs to be returned by, as well as find out how to return the items. Some providers allow you to drop off equipment in person at one of their nearby locations, while others allow returns only by mail. You may have to bear the cost of shipping the equipment back to the company. If you don’t return the equipment on time or at all, you’ll either get hit with a fee or charged for the entire cost of the device, which could add up to hundreds of dollars if you have multiple devices.
Now that you know the process for switching internet providers, you’re ready to get started.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to cancel my old internet service before switching?
No, you don’t have to cancel your old internet service before signing up for a new one. In fact, you should sign up for a new internet plan first so that you know what the installation date will be. Then you can call your current internet provider and ask them to cancel your internet service a few days after that date or by the end of the monthly billing cycle.
How can I switch internet providers without losing internet service?
Ideally, you should plan to switch internet services a few weeks in advance so you can arrange for your installation date to be a few days before your cancellation date. That way you can make sure your new internet service is up and running before your old service is deactivated.
What is the best time to change internet providers?
It’s best to switch internet providers near the end of your contract, if you have one, so you can avoid cancellation fees and potentially negotiate a lower rate before renewal. If you don’t have a contract, you can cancel anytime without early termination fees, but it’s best to cancel and switch near the end of your old monthly billing cycle so you don’t end up paying for two services simultaneously for longer than a few days.
Brittany is a Contributing Writer for Switchful with over five years of experience writing about technology in the US and Europe. Her primary focus is on mobile and internet topics. She is passionate about helping people choose the right tech for their needs at the right price.
Bri Field has a background in academia, research writing, and brand marketing. She has edited scientific publications, conference papers, digital content, and technical communications. As Assigning Editor, she enjoys ensuring all content is accurate, clear, and helpful. In her free time, you can find her in the kitchen trying a new recipe, out on a hike, or working through her massive TBR list.